By Our Correspondent

In an extraordinary display of brilliance and linguistic mastery, 17-year-old Nafisa Abdullah Aminu from Yobe State has stunned the world by emerging as the best English language performer globally at the 2025 TeenEagle Global Finals in London, United Kingdom.

Nafisa, a student of Nigerian Tulip International College (NTIC), Yobe, outshone over 20,000 students from 69 countries, including native English-speaking nations like the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and Australia. Her outstanding achievement is now sparking national debate and a growing demand for official recognition by the Nigerian government.

A National Treasure Deserving National Honour

Nafisa’s triumph is a testament to what is possible when talent meets opportunity, discipline, and the right support system. Her success has stirred a wave of pride among Nigerians and reignited conversations around the value of education in shaping the nation’s future.

Many Nigerians are now calling on the federal government to reward Nafisa with $100,000, a three-bedroom flat, and a national honour, preferably the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) — a recognition previously given to athletes following major international victories.

This sentiment mirrors what happened earlier this year when the Super Falcons, Nigeria’s women’s football team, were rewarded with $100,000, a flat each, and national honours following their historic win at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Similarly, the D’Tigress, Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, received significant rewards after clinching their fifth consecutive AfroBasket title and qualifying for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup Pre-Qualifying Tournament.

“What Is Good for the Goose Is Good for the Gander”

Educational advocates, civil society leaders, and citizens alike argue that academic excellence should be celebrated on the same level as sports victories. “If our athletes can be honoured for lifting the nation’s name high, then so should a young student who conquered the world using the English language — a global skill,” one education activist said.

They are also urging the federal government to invite Nafisa and her English teacher to the State House, recognising both their efforts, similar to how coaching crews are celebrated in the sporting world.

Education as the Passport to the Future

Nafisa’s victory sends a clear message — that with the right environment, Nigerian students can compete and win on the global stage. Her success is not just personal; it is symbolic of what Nigeria stands to gain if it invests seriously in its educational sector.

“Education is the passport to the future, and tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today,” one passionate supporter said. “We must reward our best minds just as we do with our best athletes. Nafisa has done what many believed was impossible.”

As calls grow louder, all eyes are now on the Presidency and the Ministry of Education. Will the nation honour a girl who has become a symbol of hope, excellence, and Nigeria’s potential on the world stage?

For now, Nigerians continue to beam with pride and hope that the government will do the needful — because truly, Nafisa deserves it all.

By Our Correspondent

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and youth stakeholders from the North-East Zone (Zone E) are set to honour Comrade Salisu Mustapha, a prominent political figure and advocate for youth development, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to leadership, activism, and humanitarian service across the region.

Comrade Mustapha, popularly known as Sa’in Adamawa, is a former national officer of NANS and currently serves as the National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the North-East Zone. He also holds leadership positions as the Chairman of the National Association of Private Teachers and Proprietors (NAPTP) and the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).

The announcement was contained in a press release jointly signed and made available to journalists in Yola by Comrade Umar D. Afkawa, the NANS Zonal Coordinator; Tabitha Babayo, Chairperson of the Association of Female Comrades; and Comrade Alhasino Adam, a key youth representative. A reporter from Daily Fact obtained a copy of the statement.

According to the release, the honour is being conferred in recognition of Comrade Mustapha’s dedicated service to student activism, his inclusive leadership style, and his commitment to youth mentorship and empowerment. His numerous humanitarian contributions across Adamawa State and the entire North-East region were also cited as key reasons for the recognition.

“Comrade Salisu Mustapha has consistently demonstrated selfless leadership and shown unwavering support to younger generations. His contributions to both education and youth development stand out,” the statement noted.

The event to honour him is scheduled to take place today at his residence in the Dogire area of Yola, the capital of Adamawa State. Students, youth groups, political stakeholders, and members of civil society are expected to attend the ceremony.

This recognition by NANS and youth stakeholders adds to a growing list of commendations received by Comrade Mustapha for his efforts in advancing the interests of students, teachers, and young people across Nigeria.

By Rabilu Abubakar, Gombe

The Doho Development Association (DDA) in Kwami Local Government Area of Gombe State has celebrated the achievements of their Local Government Chairman, Dr. Ahmed Wali Doho, for his remarkable performance within one year of assuming office.

The community organized a special prayer session and thanksgiving ceremony to honor Dr. Wali’s leadership, which they described as a model of good governance.

Professor Shu’aibu Umar Wazirin Doho, Chairman of the organizing committee and Pro-Chancellor of the University of Benin, praised Dr. Wali for transforming the local government through impactful projects.

He highlighted that Dr. Wali has distinguished himself from his predecessors by delivering tangible development in record time.

Barrister Sani A.A. Haruna, Chairman of Gombe Local Government and ALGON Chairman for Gombe State, commended the Doho Development Association for recognizing Dr. Wali’s efforts.

He noted that the success of local government chairmen in Gombe State is due to Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s decision to appoint credible individuals, most of whom are not career politicians, to serve their communities.

“Dr. Wali’s projects and achievements speak volumes. Many of his contributions may not even be fully documented because of their scale,” Sani stated.

Justice Abdulhamid Yakubu Doho, a High Court Judge and prominent figure in the community, urged residents to continue supporting Dr. Wali to enable him to achieve even more.

In his address, Dr. Ahmed Wali Doho expressed gratitude to the community for the recognition, emphasizing that his leadership is anchored on service rather than authority. “I am here to serve, not to rule,” he said.

Dr. Wali also lauded his fellow local government chairmen for their solidarity and support, which he credited for boosting his ability to deliver results.

He extended special appreciation to the Doho Development Association for organizing the event without any financial contribution from him.

The event also featured a lecture on ethical leadership, delivered by Malam Suleiman Tolba Magaji and Rev. Danjuma Maidugu.

The speakers emphasized the importance of fear of God and integrity in leadership, urging leaders to prioritize the welfare of their communities.

The celebration underscored the community’s collective appreciation of Dr. Wali’s service and reinforced the call for continuous support for his administration..